I have converted images between formats thousands of times — from client deliverables that need to be PNGs, to web uploads that need to be WebPs, to old GIFs that need to become MP4s, to HEIC photos from iPhones that need to become JPGs for universal compatibility. Image format conversion is not just about changing a file extension. It is about matching the right format to the right use case. Get it wrong, and your transparent logo becomes a white box. Your sharp graphic becomes a blurry mess. Your tiny icon becomes a bloated file.
If you have ever searched for an image converter online or tried to convert image files without losing quality, you know how frustrating the process can be. Some tools mess up colors. Others strip transparency. Some add watermarks. The truth is, effective image format conversion requires understanding formats, codecs, and when to use each technique. Whether you need a quick picture converter for social media or a batch image converter for a large project, this guide covers it all.
This is the free image converter guide I wish existed when I started. It covers everything from basic concepts like how an image file converter works, to advanced techniques like HEIC to JPG conversion and PNG to WebP optimization. By the end, you will know exactly how to convert image files for any use case — web, print, email, or storage — without sacrificing quality.
Video Walkthrough Coming Soon
A complete demo of converting images between formats with quality and feature preservation.
Why Convert Image Formats
Different platforms, devices, and use cases require different image formats. Here is why every img converter and photo converter matters — and when to change image format.
Platform Compatibility
Not every platform accepts every format. Some websites only accept JPG and PNG. Some print shops require TIFF. Some email clients block certain formats. An image format converter ensures your image works everywhere it needs to. A WebP image looks great on Chrome but will not display in older Safari versions. A HEIC photo from your iPhone needs to become JPG before uploading to most websites. Format conversion bridges these compatibility gaps.
Feature Requirements
Different formats support different features. Need transparency? Use PNG or WebP. Need animation? Use GIF or WebP. Need the smallest file size? Use WebP or AVIF. Need universal compatibility? Use JPEG. Need lossless quality? Use PNG or TIFF. Converting to the right format gives you the features you need. Converting to the wrong format strips features you relied on — like transparency becoming a solid white background. This is where a jpeg to png or png to webp converter becomes essential.
File Size Optimization
A photograph saved as PNG might be 5MB. The same photograph as JPEG might be 500KB. The same photograph as WebP might be 350KB. Converting to a more efficient format can reduce file size by 80-90% with no visible quality loss. This is critical for websites, email attachments, and mobile apps where every kilobyte matters. A high quality image converter gives you control over this trade-off.
Workflow Integration
Different tools in your workflow may require different formats. Your design tool exports as PNG. Your website needs WebP. Your CMS accepts only JPG. Your printer needs TIFF. Your client wants PDF. Converting between formats is a standard step in any image workflow. Having a reliable, fast conversion process saves hours of manual work and prevents errors from incompatible formats.
Legacy and Modern Formats
Old formats like BMP and TIFF are bulky and rarely needed today. Modern formats like WebP and AVIF offer dramatic improvements. Converting legacy formats to modern ones saves storage and improves performance. Conversely, converting modern formats to legacy ones ensures compatibility with older systems, software, and users. The ability to convert both directions is essential for bridging old and new.
Specialized Requirements
Some industries have specific format requirements. Medical imaging uses DICOM. GIS and mapping uses GeoTIFF. Scientific visualization uses specialized formats. Archival projects use TIFF or PNG for lossless preservation. Print production requires CMYK TIFF or EPS. Converting to these specialized formats ensures your images meet industry standards and work with specialized software.
I never delete the original file when converting formats. I always keep the source image in a separate "originals" folder. The converted version goes to the destination folder. If the conversion introduces artifacts, loses transparency, or produces unexpected results, I can go back to the original and try again with different settings. This is especially important when converting from lossless formats (PNG, TIFF) to lossy formats (JPEG, WebP) — the loss is permanent, so you need the original to regenerate. For client work, I deliver the converted format but archive the original in my project files.
How Format Conversion Works
Understanding the conversion process helps you avoid quality loss and feature degradation.
Decoding the Source Format
The first step in conversion is decoding the source image into raw pixel data. The converter reads the file format, decompresses the data (if compressed), and reconstructs the full-color image. This step is lossless — the raw pixels are an exact representation of the stored image. However, some formats store additional data that may be lost: transparency channels, animation frames, color profiles, metadata, and layer information. The decoder extracts what the target format can use and discards the rest.
Color Space and Profile Conversion
Different formats support different color spaces. JPEG typically uses YCbCr. PNG uses RGB or RGBA. Some formats support CMYK for print. During conversion, the tool may need to convert between color spaces. RGB to RGB: Direct conversion, minimal loss. RGB to CMYK: Lossy conversion — some colors cannot be reproduced in CMYK. Color profile: sRGB is standard for web. Adobe RGB has a wider gamut. ProPhoto RGB is even wider. Converting between profiles can shift colors. Always verify color accuracy after conversion.
Feature Mapping and Loss
Not all features transfer between formats. Transparency: PNG and WebP support it. JPEG does not. Converting a transparent PNG to JPEG fills the transparent areas with a background color (usually white or black). Animation: GIF and WebP support it. JPEG and PNG do not. Animation frames are discarded or only the first frame is kept. Layers: PSD and TIFF support layers. Most formats flatten them. Metadata: EXIF, IPTC, and XMP may be stripped or preserved depending on the tool. Know what features you need before converting.
Encoding to Target Format
The final step is encoding the raw pixel data into the target format. This is where quality settings matter. Lossless encoding (PNG, WebP lossless, TIFF): Pixel data is compressed without loss. Quality is preserved exactly. Lossy encoding (JPEG, WebP lossy, AVIF): Pixel data is approximated. Quality is controlled by a setting. Higher quality = larger file, less loss. Lower quality = smaller file, more loss. The encoding algorithm and settings determine the final file size and quality.
Format-by-Format Guide
A complete reference for every major image format: what it does, when to use it, and what to watch out for.
JPEG / JPG
The most common image format. Designed for photographs. Lossy compression with adjustable quality. 24-bit color (16.7 million colors). No transparency. No animation. Small file sizes for photos. Best for: photographs, complex images, web photos. Avoid for: graphics with text, logos, images needing transparency. When converting to JPEG, choose quality 80-85 for web, 90+ for print. Always check for artifacts around edges and text.
PNG
The standard for web graphics. Lossless compression. Supports transparency (RGBA). 24-bit or 32-bit color. No animation (APNG exists but is rare). Larger files than JPEG for photos. Best for: logos, icons, graphics with text, screenshots, images requiring transparency. Avoid for: photographs (use JPEG or WebP instead). When converting to PNG, use maximum compression. PNG-8 (256 colors) is smaller but limited. PNG-24 (full color) is standard.
WebP
Google's modern image format. Replaces both JPEG and PNG. Lossy and lossless modes. Supports transparency and animation. 25-35% smaller than JPEG for photos. 26% smaller than PNG for graphics. Universal browser support (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge). Best for: Modern web images of all types. The go-to format for web optimization. When converting to WebP, use quality 75-80 for lossy (equivalent to JPEG 85). Use lossless mode for graphics that need perfect quality.
GIF
The original web animation format. 256 colors maximum (8-bit). Lossless compression. Supports animation and transparency (1-bit). Small files for simple animations. Best for: Simple animations, tiny icons, basic graphics with few colors. Avoid for: Photographs, images with gradients, complex graphics. When converting to GIF, reduce colors to 128 or 64 for smaller files. Use dithering for smoother gradients. Consider WebP or MP4 for better quality animations.
AVIF
The next-generation image format. Based on AV1 video codec. 50% smaller than JPEG at equivalent quality. Supports HDR, wide color gamut, transparency, and animation. Growing browser support. Best for: Maximum compression where supported. Use with JPEG/WebP fallback for older browsers. When converting to AVIF, quality 60-70 is often equivalent to JPEG 85. The encoding is slower than other formats but produces dramatically smaller files. The future of web images.
HEIF / HEIC
Apple's efficient image format. Used by iPhones for photos. Better compression than JPEG. Supports transparency, animation, and depth maps. Limited support outside Apple ecosystem. Best for: iPhone photography storage. Converting to JPG for sharing. When converting HEIC to JPG, quality is preserved well. The main reason to convert is compatibility — most non-Apple devices and software cannot open HEIC files. Conversion to JPEG or PNG is necessary for universal sharing.
TIFF
The professional archival format. Lossless compression options (LZW, ZIP, Deflate). Supports layers, transparency, and CMYK. Very large file sizes. Best for: Print production, archival storage, professional photography. Avoid for: Web use, email, mobile. When converting from TIFF to web formats, the image quality is typically excellent. The main concern is color space (CMYK to RGB conversion). Always verify colors after converting TIFF to RGB formats.
BMP
Bitmap format from Windows. Uncompressed or minimally compressed. Very large files. No transparency. No animation. Limited color depth options. Best for: Legacy Windows applications, simple programming tasks. Avoid for: Modern use. Always convert BMP to PNG or JPEG for any practical purpose. The only reason to use BMP is compatibility with very old software that requires it.
Common Conversions
The most frequent image format conversions and how to handle them correctly.
PNG to JPEG
The most common conversion — reducing file size by converting graphics to photos. What happens: Transparency is lost (filled with white or black). Lossless becomes lossy. File size drops significantly. When to do it: For photos originally saved as PNG, for web optimization, for email attachments. Settings: Quality 80-85. Background color: white (or match your page background). Warning: Never convert logos with transparency to JPEG — they will get a white box. Check the result carefully.
JPEG to PNG
Converting photos to graphics format. What happens: JPEG artifacts are preserved (not removed). File size increases significantly. No quality improvement — you cannot recover lost data. When to do it: When you need transparency added to a photo, for editing workflows that require lossless formats, for archival where you want to prevent further loss. Settings: PNG-24 for full color, PNG-8 for limited colors. Warning: This does not improve JPEG quality. It only makes the file larger. Only convert JPEG to PNG if you need a specific PNG feature.
PNG to WebP
Modernizing web graphics for better compression. What happens: Transparency is preserved. File size reduces by 20-40%. Universal browser support. When to do it: For all web graphics. For replacing PNG icons and logos. For reducing website bandwidth. Settings: Lossless mode for graphics requiring perfect quality. Lossy mode at quality 80 for photos with transparency. Warning: Some older image editing software may not support WebP. Keep a PNG version for editing.
HEIC to JPEG
Making iPhone photos compatible with everything. What happens: Quality is preserved well. File size increases slightly (HEIC is more efficient). Metadata may be preserved or stripped. When to do it: Before uploading iPhone photos to websites, sharing with Android users, editing in non-Apple software. Settings: Quality 90 to preserve iPhone photo quality. Preserve metadata if needed. Warning: HEIC contains multiple versions (full + thumbnail). The converter may use the full version. Check that the orientation is correct.
GIF to WebP / MP4
Modernizing animated GIFs for better quality and size. What happens: Dramatic file size reduction (50-80%). Color palette expands from 256 to millions. Better compression for animations. When to do it: For all animated GIFs on websites. For social media content. For any animation where quality matters. Settings: WebP for simple animations with transparency. MP4 for complex animations without transparency. Warning: MP4 does not support transparency. For transparent animations, use WebP.
TIFF to JPEG / PNG
Making professional images web-friendly. What happens: Layers are flattened. CMYK may be converted to RGB. File size drops dramatically. When to do it: For web use, social media sharing, email, any non-print purpose. Settings: JPEG quality 90 for photos. PNG for graphics with transparency. Check color accuracy after CMYK to RGB conversion. Warning: Some colors in CMYK cannot be reproduced in RGB. The conversion may shift colors. Always verify with a color-managed workflow.
Step-by-Step Conversion Guide
Convert images between formats perfectly with this exact workflow.
Identify the Target Requirements
Before converting, know exactly what the destination needs: Format requirement: What does the platform accept? Size limits: Maximum file size? Dimensions: Required width and height? Features needed: Transparency? Animation? Specific color profile? Quality expectations: Web-quality or print-quality? Answering these questions determines the output format and settings. A social media post needs different settings than a print advertisement. A website hero image needs different settings than a favicon.
Choose the Right Output Format
Based on the requirements, select the format: Photographs for web: WebP (with JPEG fallback). Graphics with transparency: PNG or WebP. Simple animations: WebP or GIF. Universal compatibility: JPEG. Print production: TIFF or high-quality JPEG. Archival: PNG or TIFF. The format choice is the most important decision. Getting this wrong means re-converting later.
Configure Conversion Settings
Set the conversion parameters: Quality: For lossy formats, 80-85 is standard. Dimensions: Resize if the target has size limits. Color profile: sRGB for web, Adobe RGB for print, CMYK for specific print workflows. Transparency handling: Preserve or fill with color. Metadata: Strip or preserve EXIF data. Compression level: Maximum for PNG, standard for JPEG. The AFFLIGO Image Converter applies smart defaults based on the format pair, but you can customize every setting.
Verify the Conversion Result
Always check the output before using it: Visual inspection: Open the converted image and compare to the original. Color accuracy: Are colors preserved correctly? Transparency: Did transparent areas become solid? Artifacts: Any compression artifacts or quality loss? File size: Is it within the target limits? Dimensions: Is the size correct? Features: Is animation preserved? Is metadata intact? Fix any issues by adjusting settings and re-converting. Never assume the first conversion is perfect.
Quality Preservation
How to convert images without losing quality, color accuracy, or important features.
Lossless to Lossless
PNG to WebP lossless, TIFF to PNG, BMP to PNG. These conversions preserve 100% quality. Every pixel is identical. No artifacts. No color shifts. Use lossless-to-lossless whenever possible. The only consideration is feature support — make sure the target format supports all features you need (transparency, color depth, etc.).
Lossless to Lossy
PNG to JPEG, TIFF to WebP. These conversions introduce quality loss. Minimize it by using high quality settings (85-90). Avoid converting text and graphics to lossy formats — artifacts will be visible. For photos, the loss is usually invisible at quality 80+. Always keep the original lossless file for future re-conversion.
Lossy to Lossy
JPEG to WebP, JPEG to JPEG (re-saving). This is the most dangerous conversion. Each lossy step adds artifacts. Generation loss compounds. Avoid re-compressing JPEGs. If you must convert JPEG to another lossy format, use the highest quality settings. Start from the original uncompressed source whenever possible. Never convert a JPEG to JPEG at lower quality — the result will look worse than the file size suggests.
Color Preservation
Colors can shift during conversion. sRGB: Standard for web. Convert all web images to sRGB. Adobe RGB: Wider gamut for photography. Convert to sRGB for web to prevent oversaturated colors on standard displays. CMYK: Print color space. Convert to RGB for screen display. Some colors in CMYK cannot be reproduced in RGB — they will shift. Use color-managed software (Photoshop, Affinity) for critical color conversion. Always soft-proof colors before final conversion.
The most common format conversion mistake is converting a transparent PNG to JPEG without checking the result. The transparent background becomes white (or black), ruining the image. Always verify transparency handling when converting from formats that support it to formats that do not. Another common error is converting JPEG to PNG thinking it will improve quality. It will not. JPEG artifacts are permanent. Converting to PNG only makes the file larger while preserving the artifacts. Only convert JPEG to PNG if you need a PNG-specific feature (like transparency or lossless editing).
Real-World Use Cases
Image format conversion solves real problems across every industry and platform.
Web Development
Developers convert design assets to web-optimized formats. PSD files become PNGs for UI elements. PNGs become WebPs for production. JPEGs become WebPs for faster loading. SVGs are created from AI files for icons. The conversion pipeline is a standard part of modern web development workflows. Tools like the AFFLIGO Image Converter automate these conversions.
Social Media Management
Social platforms have specific format requirements. Instagram prefers JPG and PNG. Twitter supports GIF, JPG, PNG. TikTok uses video formats. Pinterest prefers vertical images. Social media managers convert assets to platform-specific formats and sizes. A single campaign asset may be converted to 10+ formats for different platforms. Batch conversion tools save hours of manual work.
E-Commerce Product Photos
Online stores receive product photos in various formats. Suppliers send TIFFs. Photographers deliver RAWs. The store needs JPEGs for the website, thumbnails for search results, and high-res images for zoom. Converting between formats is a daily task. The workflow: RAW to TIFF for editing, TIFF to JPEG for web, JPEG to WebP for optimization. Consistent format conversion ensures a professional shopping experience.
Print and Publishing
Print shops require specific formats: TIFF, PDF, EPS, or high-resolution JPEG. Designers work in PSD, AI, or INDD. The final conversion to print format must preserve color accuracy and resolution. CMYK conversion is often required. Bleed areas must be included. Format conversion for print is the most demanding use case because errors are permanent and expensive.
Mobile App Development
Apps need icons in multiple sizes and formats. iOS requires PNGs and HEICs. Android supports WebP and PNG. Flutter and React Native have specific asset requirements. A single app icon may be converted to 20+ sizes and formats. Launch screens, splash images, and in-app graphics all need format conversion. Xcode and Android Studio provide some automation, but external tools are often needed for batch processing.
Archiving and Digitization
Libraries, museums, and archives digitize historical materials. Originals are scanned as high-resolution TIFFs. Access copies are converted to JPEG for online viewing. Thumbnails are created as smaller JPEGs. The archival master remains as TIFF, while derivatives serve different purposes. Format conversion is the bridge between preservation and access. Lossless formats for masters, lossy formats for distribution.
Advanced Techniques
Professional techniques for complex image format conversions and specialized requirements.
Batch Conversion with Scripts
For large collections, use command-line tools or scripts: ImageMagick: convert *.png -set filename:base "%[base]" "[filename:base].webp" converts all PNGs to WebP. FFmpeg: Converts video frames to image sequences and vice versa. Python with Pillow: Programmatic conversion with custom logic. Node.js with Sharp: Fast conversion for web projects. Build pipeline integration: Convert assets during build/deploy. Automation ensures consistency and saves hours of manual work.
Format Fallback Chains
For maximum compatibility, provide multiple formats: Modern browsers get AVIF or WebP. Older browsers get JPEG. Very old browsers get PNG. Use the HTML picture element: <picture><source srcset="image.avif" type="image/avif"><source srcset="image.webp" type="image/webp"><img src="image.jpg" alt=""></picture>. The browser picks the first supported format. This progressive enhancement ensures the best format for every user without breaking compatibility.
Alpha Channel Handling
Transparency (alpha channel) is a common conversion challenge. PNG to JPEG: Alpha becomes solid color (usually white). Solution: composite on a background color matching the destination. JPEG to PNG: No alpha exists. Solution: add alpha manually in an image editor. GIF to PNG: 1-bit transparency becomes full alpha. PNG-8 to PNG-24: Indexed transparency becomes full alpha. Always check alpha handling when converting between formats with different transparency support.
Animated Image Conversion
Converting animated formats requires special handling. GIF to WebP: All frames are preserved. File size drops significantly. Quality improves. GIF to MP4: Better compression but no transparency. Use for non-transparent animations. APNG to WebP: APNG is rare but supported by some tools. Video to GIF: Extract frames, convert to GIF or WebP. Frame rate and quality settings affect the result significantly. For web animations, WebP is almost always better than GIF.
Troubleshooting
Common image format conversion problems and their exact solutions.
Converted Image Has White Background Instead of Transparency
Cause: You converted a transparent PNG to a format that does not support transparency (JPEG, BMP). Fix: Use PNG or WebP for transparency. If you must use JPEG, composite the image on a matching background color first. Use the AFFLIGO Image Converter and select "Preserve transparency" for supported formats. Check the output preview before downloading.
Colors Look Wrong After Conversion
Cause: Color space mismatch or profile stripping. Fix: Convert to sRGB before converting to web formats. Preserve color profiles if the tool supports it. Use color-managed software (Photoshop, Affinity) for critical conversions. Check "Assign profile" vs "Convert to profile" — they produce different results. For CMYK to RGB, expect some color shifts in saturated colors.
File Size Increased After Conversion
Cause: Converting to a less efficient format or using wrong settings. Fix: PNG to JPEG should decrease size. If it increased, check compression settings. JPEG to PNG always increases size — this is normal. Use WebP for smaller files than both JPEG and PNG. Check if metadata was preserved instead of stripped. Resize to target dimensions before converting.
Animation Lost After Conversion
Cause: You converted an animated GIF to a format that does not support animation (JPEG, PNG). Fix: Use WebP for animated images with better compression. Use MP4 for complex animations without transparency. Use GIF only for simple animations where maximum compatibility is needed. Check that the converter supports animation before converting. Some tools only convert the first frame of animated images.
Best Practices
Follow these proven practices for perfect image format conversions every time.
Always Keep the Original
Never overwrite the original file. Always save converted images as new files. The original is your source of truth. If a conversion goes wrong, you need the original to try again. For lossy conversions, the original is especially important because quality loss is permanent. Organize originals in a separate folder. Name converted files clearly to indicate the format and settings.
Know Your Destination Requirements
Before converting, research exactly what the destination needs. A website might need WebP with JPEG fallback. A print shop might need CMYK TIFF at 300 DPI. An email attachment might need JPEG under 1MB. A social platform might need specific dimensions. Converting without knowing the requirements often leads to re-work. Check the platform's documentation or ask their support team.
Verify Every Conversion
Always open the converted image and check: visual quality, colors, transparency, dimensions, file size, and features. Do not trust the conversion blindly. Automated tools are good but not perfect. A 30-second verification can save hours of fixing problems later. For batch conversions, check a representative sample. If the sample is good, the batch is likely good. If the sample is bad, investigate before proceeding.
Use the Right Tool for the Job
Simple conversions (JPG to PNG, PNG to WebP): Use an online image converter like AFFLIGO. Complex conversions (CMYK to RGB, batch processing): Use professional software like Photoshop or ImageMagick. Animated conversions (GIF to WebP): Use specialized tools or FFmpeg. Print conversions (TIFF to PDF): Use Adobe Acrobat or InDesign. Choosing the right image converter tool ensures quality and efficiency.
Tool Comparison
Compare image conversion tools — from free online image converter options to professional software.
Affligo Image Converter
Free, web-based. Input: JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF, BMP, AVIF, TIFF, HEIC. Output: JPG, PNG, WebP. Batch processing up to 20 images. Quality slider. Before/after preview. No installation. Best for: quick conversions, batch work, users without design software. Limitations: 10MB per file. Requires internet.
Adobe Photoshop
Professional control. Save for Web (Legacy). Supports all formats. Color management. Batch actions. Smart objects. Best for: professional designers, color-critical conversions, complex workflows. Limitations: Expensive subscription. Overkill for simple conversions. Steep learning curve.
ImageMagick
Command-line tool. Free, open source. Supports 200+ formats. Scriptable. Batch processing. Advanced options. Best for: developers, automation, server-side processing. Limitations: Command-line only. Complex syntax. Not user-friendly. Requires technical knowledge.
GIMP
Free, open-source alternative to Photoshop. Supports many formats. Batch processing via plugins. Good format support. Best for: users who need Photoshop features for free. Limitations: Interface is less polished than Photoshop. Some advanced features are missing. Slower than Photoshop for large files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about image format conversion, answered from experience.
Can I convert images for free?
Yes. Online tools like AFFLIGO Image Converter offer free image format conversion. GIMP, ImageMagick, and many other tools are free. For basic conversions between common formats (JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF), a free image converter is sufficient. For advanced conversions with color management, professional software may be worth the investment.
Will converting an image reduce its quality?
It depends on the formats involved. Lossless to lossless (PNG to WebP lossless): No quality loss. Lossless to lossy (PNG to JPEG): Quality loss is introduced. Lossy to lossy (JPEG to WebP): Some additional quality loss. A png to webp conversion is typically lossless and preserves all quality. To minimize quality loss, use high quality settings and avoid multiple lossy conversions.
Can I convert multiple images at once?
Yes. The AFFLIGO Image Converter supports batch image converter functionality. Upload multiple images, choose the output format, and download all converted files at once. ImageMagick and Photoshop also support batch processing. For very large collections (1000+ images), command-line tools or scripts are most efficient.
Why did my PNG become much larger when I converted it to JPEG?
This should not happen. JPEG files are typically much smaller than PNG files for photographs. If your JPEG is larger, check: Are you using maximum quality (100)? Reduce to 80-85. Is the image a simple graphic with few colors? PNG is actually more efficient for these. Did you increase the dimensions? Did you add metadata? If the PNG was already compressed well (simple graphic), converting to JPEG at high quality may not reduce size much.
Can I convert images on my phone?
Yes. The AFFLIGO Image Converter works on mobile browsers. Some apps also convert images on phones. However, mobile tools often have limited format support and quality control. For professional results, use desktop tools. For quick conversions on the go, mobile tools are adequate. HEIC photos from iPhones can be converted to JPEG directly on the phone using the AFFLIGO tool.
What is the best format for web images?
WebP is the best format for web images in 2026. It supports both lossy and lossless compression, transparency, and animation. It is 25-35% smaller than JPEG and 26% smaller than PNG. All modern browsers support it. For maximum compatibility, provide JPEG fallback using the HTML picture element. For cutting-edge projects, use AVIF with WebP and JPEG fallback.
Can I recover quality by converting JPEG to PNG?
No. JPEG compression permanently discards some data. Converting JPEG to PNG preserves the JPEG artifacts but does not recover the lost quality. The file becomes larger without looking better. If you need high quality, start from the original uncompressed source (RAW, TIFF, or PSD). Only convert JPEG to PNG if you need a PNG-specific feature like transparency or lossless editing.
How do I convert HEIC files from my iPhone?
The easiest way is to use an online image converter like AFFLIGO. Upload the HEIC files, select JPEG as output, and download the heic to jpg conversion. On iPhone, you can also change the camera settings to save as JPEG instead of HEIC (Settings > Camera > Formats > Most Compatible). For Mac users, the Preview app can export HEIC to various formats.
Quick Reference Card
Bookmark this section. Essential format conversion guidance in one place.
Format Quick Pick
Photos web: WebP > JPEG
Graphics web: WebP > PNG
Transparency: PNG, WebP
Animation: WebP, GIF
Print: TIFF, PDF
Universal: JPEG
Common Conversions
PNG to JPEG: Quality 80-85
PNG to WebP: Lossless
JPEG to WebP: Quality 75
HEIC to JPEG: Quality 90
GIF to WebP: Preserves animation
TIFF to JPEG: Quality 90
Feature Support
Transparency: PNG, WebP, GIF
Animation: GIF, WebP, APNG
Lossless: PNG, WebP, TIFF
Wide gamut: WebP, AVIF, TIFF
CMYK: TIFF, JPEG, PDF
Warnings
PNG to JPEG: Loses transparency
JPEG to PNG: File grows, no quality gain
Lossy to lossy: Generation loss
CMYK to RGB: Color shifts
Always keep originals